this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!
Through the wide open window, the smell of fragrant flowers flooded into the interior of the mansion. There was not a single cloud in the blue sky today. The weather was extremely fine today.
Nevertheless, the mansion had fallen into chaos, as if a typhoon had swept through it.
“Quickly, quickly…!”
At my urging, the hands of the maids on one side of me who were finishing the hair that was beautifully braided became extremely busy. Not able to wait either, Joy also put the lace gloves with dainty ribbons on my hands as well.
I jumped to my feet as soon as their hands fell away from me.
“Miss, you’ll fall if you do that!”
Although Joy’s urgent cries came from behind, I wasn’t able to stop my hurried steps.
It wasn’t that I was late for our agreed upon time, but rather, I was anxious knowing that someone was waiting for me.
No, to be honest, it was more appropriate to say that I was actually excited.
As soon as I arrived in front of the living room door and knocked urgently, I immediately heard a short answer come from inside.
“Pardon my intrusion!”
As I opened the door while breathing heavily, I saw the man sitting on the sofa get up quickly.
“My apologies. You must have waited for a long ti…!”
“No, rather, it’s me that came too early…”
We both stopped talking at the same time, as if we had agreed upon it earlier.
Seeing him face to face, I was unable to think about anything else and could only blink my eyes.
Although I had already seen him wearing his white ceremonial uniform several times already, today felt somewhat different from any of the other days.
The first thing that caught my eye was the long blue sash that ran diagonally from his shoulder to the waist. The golden pattern engraved on it gave off a sense of elegance and luxury.
But it wasn’t just that. The angular epaulettes and sparkling sapphire buttons on the jacket also caught my eye immediately.
His blond hair that was tied up with even more care than usual as well as those blue eyes that seemed to smile affectionately at me could not be overshadowed by his flashy uniform as he stood there shining beautifully in the sun.
“It seems like it really does suit you,” Leonon praised in a soft voice. Thanks to that, I felt a flush of shyness overcome me. In front of the person who had given me the gift, wearing those clothes and standing there for him to see it seemed even more embarrassing than I thought it would be.
However, I sensed his eyes staring blankly at a certain place at that moment. He was staring at my prettily braided hair… no, it was the diamond studded hair piece.
Would it be better for me to tell him the whole story?
“Though you look good, no matter what you wear.”
As I was about to start talking, he said something unfamiliar again with a kind smile.
Only then did I remember that I hadn’t thanked him yet, so I hurriedly grabbed the hem of my purple pleated skirt and greeted him.
“Th-Thank you so much for gifting me such beautiful clothes. To just accept something like this… I’m not sure if it’s really alright to do so.”
“As I said before, this is something I wanted to do for you, so please feel free to accept it with peace of mind.”
He walked toward me and continued to say, “I will also be more than happy if you continue to do so in the future.”
Those firm words were followed by a short sound of him clearing his throat. The area around his neck had already turned slightly red.
‘In the future?’
What sort of meaning should I attach to these words? Was he going to ask me to be his partner next time as well? If not that, then…
I wanted to ask, but it seemed like a shameless question to ask out loud.
“Shall we leave if you’re ready then?”
Looking more excited than usual, Leonon also added, “I’m really looking forward to the banquet today as well.”
Although I missed the right timing to mention the head piece thanks to that, I resolved myself to definitely explain it to him later.
“So am I,” I smiled brightly and gently hooked my arm around his politely extended arm.
* * *
pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:
The carriage that left the mansion continued along the road even after passing through the large palace gate located in the centre of the capital.
We had long since passed by the building I had visited the other day to file for a divorce, which had been the only familiar sight to me.
“Wow…!”
As we ventured further inside, the sight that greeted my eyes was gorgeous, so I could hardly take my eyes off the scenery and couldn’t help but glue myself to the window.
“To think the imperial palace was so vast! We’ve been travelling for so long yet we still haven’t arrived…”
“It’ll seem like that even more since this banquet will be held in the building located deepest within the imperial palace. Oh, we’re almost there. We’ll arrive in just a moment.”
As he explained kindly, the carriage soon stopped in front of a large building.
It was the moment I stepped outside while being escorted by Leonon, who had gotten off first.
“Goodness…”
The world outside the carriage was all red.
A large marble outer wall with beautiful geometric patterns, a flag hanging from the spire, and a rose garden so vast that you couldn’t see the end of it. Even the towering water fountain and its gushing water in the middle of the garden had been dyed red by the burning evening glow of the sunset.
The sight was so beautiful I had unconsciously opened my mouth in an unrefined manner.
At that moment, an attendant dressed in a crisp green uniform approached us.
“Sir Leonon Berhardt, Miss Lorella Mayred. Welcome in. I’ll guide you to the banquet hall.”
The attendant guided us inside politely. Seeing as this was my first time experiencing this, Leonon, who placed my hand in his once more, smiled softly and gestured with his eyes toward the garden.
“This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the imperial palace. The rose garden, which is filled with every single type of roses that can be found on this continent, is especially famous. Would you like to come and have a look with me later?”
The tension in my body seemed to ease little by little after hearing his voice, which was just as friendly as usual. I nodded and walked confidently toward the entrance of the building.
However, as soon as I entered, my barely closed mouth opened slightly once again.
On both sides of the long hallway draped with red silk and satin hung a dignified portrait of the imperial family in a frame made of real gold.
Adorning the pillars brilliantly was a huge tapestry with animals symbolising each territory of the empire embroidered with precious stones. It was so elaborately made that it seemed as if it could come to life and start moving at any moment.
That was hardly the end of it. All the windows had been decorated with stained glass of a vast variety of colours to the extent that there was no overlap while dazzling fragments of light too many to count poured down from a chandelier so large it was my first time seeing one of that size.
I was instantly overwhelmed by the magnificence and splendour of it all.
Although it was embarrassing, it wasn’t an unexpected reaction. Since it would’ve been difficult for me, who had never attended even the smallest banquet in the outskirts, to even dare to imagine attending the largest banquet in the empire.
However, the real window of opportunity was now.
The moment I had passed through the hallway and stepped foot into the large hall, dozens of eyes flitted toward me, who was standing with Leonon. No, rather, hundreds of eyes were focused on us at once. Their gazes were so intense it felt as if my skin was actually tingling.
Even if it were natural, it was only to be expected.
Even before my possession, Lorella Mayred was not someone who had been very well known in high society. Since the Count of Mayred was only a family that was powerless and impoverished.
So it’s no wonder that the appellation of ‘the former duchess of the Chambers household,’ whose face no one had seen for two years, would still be more famous.
On the other hand, Leonon was the Commander of the Holy Knights of Ecrestus, a name no one in the empire had not heard of, and had even made meritorious contributions to this war.
It would’ve been even stranger for them not to have looked over and not had suspicions about who in the world that woman standing next to the Commander was.
“It’s alright. Don’t be nervous.”
If it hadn’t been for Leonon who quietly whispered in my ear, I might have already retreated backward a few steps and quietly left the banquet hall. To the extent that my face had already frozen stiff.
“Huuu…”
But I couldn’t just cower in fright like this. It would’ve also been discourteous toward Leonon, who had accompanied me as my partner.
That’s right, Lorella. Just think of yourself as the most popular social butterfly in all of the empire for today! Go out shamelessly, that’s right, shamelessly.
It was when I was hypnotising myself and taking deep breaths.
“Miss Lorella, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”
Turning my head at Leonon’s words, I caught sight of a woman around my age wearing an elegant pale green dress.
“This is Countess Lewen.”
As soon as Leonon finished speaking, she took the initiative to offer me a friendly greeting, “Nice to meet you, Miss Lorella. I really wanted to meet you.”
…Does this person perhaps know me?
“Oh, it’s… nice to meet you too.”
I was extremely cautious since the thought of not returning her greeting seemed to be discourteous, but when I gave her a formal greeting, she responded with a gentle smile, “You must have been shocked since I greeted you so suddenly out of the blue.”
The Countess suddenly grabbed my hands, her eyes shining, “I’m actually a huge fan of that dessert shop. Although I went there to have a look after the Commander let me know about it, I became completely obsessed…!”
“P-Pardon? Th-Thank you…”
“From what I’ve heard, this is a place where Miss Lorella personally invested in? It seems like you have a natural sense for business. If you don’t mind, would you mind telling me more about business?”
From skinship skills that can dramatically narrow the distance in an instant to small talk skills that kick off a conversation naturally like flowing water.
When I talked about someone who was a popular social butterfly, I meant someone who was exactly like this Countess.
Staring at her blankly, I then turned my head toward Leonon in that moment.
The Commander let her know about it…?
Our eyes met, but he just pulled the corners of his mouth upward, pretending like he didn’t know anything.
That was how I suddenly started to chat with the Countess. Seeing as she was familiar with all the menu items, it was clear that she was in love with our desserts.
In the presence of a natural social butterfly, the conversation proceeded smoothly since we also had a common interest. Afterwards, we talked about the dress we wore and the rose garden we saw in front. And just like she had wanted, there was no shortage of business topics in our conversation either.
Meanwhile, three or four more noble madams had already gathered around us. They all had connections to Countess Lewen.
“Our funds were limited and the general response to each idea presented wasn’t good. The partner I had been working with was also losing confidence…” I continued to speak passionately in front of them, unlike my prior hesitation.
“Oh my, it must have been hard on you.”
“That’s right. There is nothing more frustrating than having inventory that is constantly accumulating yet difficult to dispose of. So in the end, how did you resolve it?”
“I made that product with the thought that this would be my final try, but it fortunately started garnering a huge response.”
“Then that product!”
“It must be ‘that’ coffee…!”
The women who had been listening to the story with great interest suddenly all agreed.
“Yes, that’s right,” I nodded, unable to suppress my pride and touched the tip of my nose.
Director Leonon, who had been listening to our conversation nearby, also widened his eyes as if he was surprised, “Although I knew that a lot of work went into running the store properly… this is my first time hearing the full story with all the details. That’s truly incredible.”
Lips adorned with a smile so sweet that it would be sad to think of it as not the sweetest in the world caught my eye.
The moment I encountered it, an indescribable gratitude filled my heart.
Considering the situation, it was clear that Commander Leonon had deliberately introduced me to Countess Lewen. He must have known that I would have had no friends to greet in a place like this.
“Lady Lorella really has a way with her words. I didn’t even notice time passing whilst I was listening to you.”
The grey-haired woman with whom I had just been talking to spoke with a gentle smile on her face. I somehow felt a little embarrassed and just smiled back at her awkwardly.
“It seems like I’ve forgotten to tell you my name. I’m Grace of the Marquis of Erne.”
“Oh, so it’s Marchioness Erne. Thank you so much for the compliment. You praise me too much.”
“How is it too much praise? Please come and visit my mansion next time. We’ll be holding a banquet soon, so if it’s okay with you, I’d love for you to attend. Of course, with the Commander as well.”
My eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion. The other young women who were listening also burst into laughter and added a few words about the banquet being held at the Marquis of Erne.
“A… banquet?”
“That’s right. I also run several large workshops, so I can relate very much to your business story. If it isn’t too much of a bother, I would like to have a more in-depth conversation with you.”
“H-How could it be a bother? That absolutely isn’t the case. As long as the Commander is fine with it, I’ll definitely want to be there!”
I was so happy that I ended up raising my voice unconsciously.
Then, as if he had just been waiting, Leonon responded with a smile, “I’m honoured you invited me. Since Miss Lorella is going, I will also come with her to visit you.”
The Marchioness seemed to be extremely pleased that we had both immediately accepted the offer, smiling broadly as if to say, ‘It’s good to be so vigorous and energetic’.
She and the other ladies with her chatted with us some more and then dispersed. Because the banquet had so many people coming in and out, I was completely out of my mind.
Still unable to calm my pounding heart, I slowly walked to the centre of the hall with Leonon.
It wasn’t long before I saw Countess Lewen, who had spotted me among the crowd and smiled. I, too, smiled back at her and whispered softly to Leonon, “So there was a reason why you introduced me to Countess Lewen in the first place. Seriously, thank you so much.”
“I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
“You also deliberately told her about my store in Aurea, didn’t you?”
“Haha… To be honest, I was only lucky since she happened to have a sweet tooth.”
The truth that was revealed briefly and bluntly made me burst into laughter unconsciously.
“You said you weren’t that close to high society, but sure enough, the Commander is such a formidable figure. Don’t you think that all debutantes will ask the Commander for a helping hand?”
“Although it’s true that I’m not close to it, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t seen anything.”
Well, that was true.
I couldn’t help but agree with those words.
Wasn’t he also the emperor’s nephew as well as the next head of the Berhardt household? It was clear that he would’ve attended quite a few banquets since he was young, and had personally seen and learned about those things first hand.
Thanks to this, I had completely regained my confidence and had become relaxed enough to straighten my back and greet strangers quite skillfully.
I found it very enjoyable to chat and make light conversation with new people from all over.
“I knew everyone would like you, Miss Lorella.”
Upon seeing such a side of me, Leonon was happy as if it were a matter concerning himself.
When I saw his face that was smiling so wide even his neat row of teeth were visible, I was instantly overwhelmed with emotion. Because no one had ever treated me this well.
As I pressed my hands to my chest in an attempt to calm myself down, Leonon asked in a voice that was full of concern, “Are you perhaps feeling ill anywhere? If you are, call for the attendant right away…”
“N-No. I just have a few concerns.”
I hurriedly waved my hand. Then, with a serious look on his face, he asked, “If you have concerns, what…?”
“I was just concerned about how I’m meant to repay my gratitude to the Commander.”
At those words, Leonon pondered deeply over something for a moment and then continued speaking with a bright smile, “You’ve already paid me back so abundantly, so don’t worry about it.”
“Pardon? But I haven’t even paid back a single thing yet.”
It was when I looked up at him while saying those words that were filled with doubt.
“Since I can see your face like this.”
A low voice with a soft yet heavy resonance quietly rang in my ears.
“Eyes that sparkle when listening to an interesting story, or laughter that bursts out brightly when you find something enjoyable.”
Heat was rippling in his blue eyes, like the midday sea, fully bathed in the hot sunlight.
“That’s more than enough for me.”
My face quickly heated up as I couldn’t find the words to reply; all I could do was stare at him while the pleasant melody played by the court orchestra filled my ears.
When I turned my gaze, I noticed that there were musicians sitting near the terrace. Additionally, the atmosphere of the people around me was slightly different from before.
As I stood there in confusion, Leonon held out his hand toward me, “Would you give me your first dance?”
Perhaps it was this gentle and deep voice that was pleasant on the ears.
I stared at the luxurious white gloves that matched well with Leonon, and eventually placed my hand gently over them. Then, his strong arm wrapped around my waist as if it had just been waiting to do so.
Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong.
The soft sound of bells echoed continuously, as if in harmony with the beautiful melody of the waltz.
author’s note
please buy a lot of shares (❁´▽`❁)
naver comments
wan
oh… the black hair male lead formula is just going to break like this????? I APPROVE!!!!
rejina
–ding dong
[miss rejina goes all in on leonon x lorella shares]
claire
i’m going all in on these shares
AHHHH LEONON MY SWEET SUMMER BOY YOU’RE SO SWEET YOU DESERVE THE WORLD HOW CAN ANYONE BE SO PURE (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`) MY SWEET BOY YOU DESERVE ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD
i still hate lorella’s dress LMAOO the puffy sleeves r not it imo
The illustration 😭
it’s tewww good 🤭🤭